Wilder in talks to extend Calvert-Lewin’s loan stay at Cobblers

Jeremy Casey

Cobblers boss Chris Wilder has confirmed he is in talks with Sheffield United about extending the loan spell of teenage striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin until the end of the season.

The 18-year-old was brought to the club in the summer following the sale of Ivan Toney to Newcastle United, and Calvert-Lewin has been an excellent signing, scoring eight goals to date, including the winner in Saturday’s 3-2 FA Cup second-round win over Northwich Victoria.

The teenager has played a key part in the Cobblers’ excellent campaign to date, making 22 appearances, and although his current loan arrangement from the Blades ends in January, Wilder says he is already trying to get that extended, and that the player also wants to stay at Sixfields.

“I didn’t think Dom had the best of games on Saturday against Northwich,” said Wilder. “We took a little bit of a risk in leaving Marc (Richards) out, and that could have possibly backfired on us.

“I didn’t think Dom was great in his general play, but he fills the goal, he gets himself in the six-yard box, and it was a great cross from Ricky for him to finish and score the winner.

“Dom is a confident boy and I think for players to come out of championship and league one clubs to come to an environment like ours at 18 is invaluable experience.

“Hopefully it can continue with Dominic being here. He will go back eventually, a better player for the experience he has had.”

Asked if he is keen for the player to stay, Wilder said: “His loan is up in January, but we have spoken to Sheffield United about it, so they know what our feelings are and that we would love to keep Dom.

“I have spoken to Dominic, and he would love to stay, so of the three things that have to happen, us and him are positive, and now we are just hopeful his parent club will say yes.

“I have no reason why they shouldn’t so that, they are proper football people up there and know the importance of developing in men’s football when there is three points on it.